Why is it called a console table?

Why it is called a console table comes down to the history of this type of furnishing. The very first consoles produced in France during the 16th and 17th centuries were not freestanding. Instead, owners anchored them to walls. This anchoring method strengthened the console top, allowing it to support heavy loads. The name “console” comes from the French word "consolide," which means to reinforce or strengthen. It was likely chosen because of the anchoring system that lends strength to and reinforces consoles. Shop a diverse assortment of console tables on 1stDibs.

What is a console table used for?

Console tables serve a variety of functions. They can be used as buffets, storage units and display tables. Because they vary in size, you can use them for just about anything.

What is the difference between a buffet table and a console table?

The difference between a buffet table and a console table comes down to size and storage features. Console tables are usually less deep than buffet tables, so they take up less space behind sofas and along walls. In addition, consoles are less likely to have cabinets and drawers than buffet tables, which are designed to store dinnerware and serveware in dining rooms. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of buffets and console tables.

What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?

The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a sideboard and a console table?

The difference between a sideboard and a console table comes down to usage and storage features. Sideboards are usually found in dining rooms and have shelving concealed behind cabinet doors for storing dinnerware, glassware and serveware. Normally positioned in entryways, hallways and living rooms, console tables may have no storage features or include drawers, open shelves or cabinet doors, depending on their design. Find a large selection of console tables and sideboards on 1stDibs.

What is the difference between a console and a sofa table?

The main difference between a console and a sofa table is that a console can be placed anywhere in the home (against a wall in a hallway or under a television in the living room) and a sofa table is limited to being behind a sofa.

Should a console table be taller than a couch?

A console table should not be taller than a couch . Much like a sofa table, a console table is placed against the back of a sofa and should be the same height as the sofa.

How wide should a console table be in an entryway?

In an entryway, a console table should typically be around 10 to 16 inches wide. Tables of this width should still allow plenty of clearance so people can easily walk by the table. You may see manufacturers refer to the width of consoles as depth. On 1stDibs, shop a range of console tables.

How tall should a lamp be on a console table?

A lamp for a console table should be between 25 and 32 inches tall. The table lamp ’s shade shouldn’t exceed half the width of the console table.You’ll find that when it comes to arranging wall art , a decorator might suggest that the space on the wall above a console table is a great place for a large painting or a wall sculpture . In that case, you may wish to use a taller lamp for the table. If your table is smaller in scale or if you have a small mirror hanging on the wall above the console, you may wish to opt for a shorter lamp.Find vintage table lamps for sale on 1stDibs.

Can you use a console table as a desk?

Because of their variety of sizes and range in function, console tables can easily work as a desk. Given their size and ease of mobility, a console table can be used in almost any sort of room.

Console Table Deco

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Art Deco Rectangular Console Tables Smooth Copper by Alison Spear for S. Odegard

By Stephanie Odegard Collection

Located in New York, NY

materials and expert craftsmanship ensure that each Art Deco Rectangular Console Table is not only beautiful

Category

2010s American Other Console Tables

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

Art Deco Rectangular Console Tables Smooth Copper by Alison Spear for S. Odegard

$6,171 / item

Art Deco console attributed to Raymond Subes 20th Century

By Raymond Subes

Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA

Art Deco console attributed to Raymond Subes 20th Century Beautiful Art Deco console with two-color

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Marble, Iron

Art Deco console attributed to Raymond Subes 20th Century

$25,000

Ruhlmann Consolette Mahogany and Marble Console Table

By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann

Located in Berlin, DE

Console table known as 'Consolette’ in mahogany with a black marble top and elegantly curved leg

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Marble

Ruhlmann Consolette Mahogany and Marble Console Table

$77,653

Large French Art Deco Gilt Metal Console, France 1940 s

By Gilbert Poillerat, René Drouet

Located in Miami, FL

Large Art Deco gilt metal console, France circa 1940 Striking French wall-mounted console table

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Large French Art Deco Gilt Metal Console, France 1940 s

$9,800

Pair Of 1920s French Art Deco Wood Black Patinated Consoles

Located in High Point, NC

This pair of 1920s French Art Deco black-patinated wood consoles embodies the refined geometry and

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair Of 1920s French Art Deco Wood Black Patinated Consoles

$4,595 / set

Art Deco Style Console in the manner of Brandt

Located in Bridgewater, CT

Art Deco style console in the manner of Edgar Brandt. Wrought iron, with travertine top and base

Category

Late 20th Century American Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Art Deco Style Console in the manner of Brandt

$6,000

Italian Art Deco wall console in wood and mirror, 1940s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian Art Deco wall console in wood and mirror, 1940s Vintage and fantastic wall console table

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Italian Art Deco wall console in wood and mirror, 1940s

$5,137

A Very Fine 20th Century Art Deco Design Cherrywood and Chrome Console Table

Located in Dublin, IE

A very fine 20th Century Art Deco design richly patinated cherrywood console table of neat

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Console Tables

Materials

Chrome

A Very Fine 20th Century Art Deco Design Cherrywood and Chrome Console Table

$1,732 / item

Mid-Century Modern Deco Brushed Nickel Slat Lucite Glass Top Console Tables Pair

Located in Roslyn, NY

inch glass top console tables.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Nickel

Mid-Century Modern Deco Brushed Nickel Slat Lucite Glass Top Console Tables Pair

$2,950 Sale Price / set

30% Off

Bespoke Italian Art Deco Design 4-Drawer White Brass Walnut Console Table/Desk

By Cosulich Interiors Antiques

Located in New York, NY

Contemporary Bespoke customizable 4 drawers modern desk / console entirely Hand Made in Italy, with

Category

2010s Italian Minimalist Console Tables

Materials

Brass

Bespoke Italian Art Deco Design 4-Drawer White Brass Walnut Console Table/Desk

$10,150 / item

Geometric Memphis Style Plaster Console Table

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Sculptural entry console table with a triangular form base and a textural cream tone plaster finish.

Category

Vintage 1980s Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Geometric Memphis Style Plaster Console Table

$560 Sale Price

68% Off

Bespoke Italian Art Deco Design 4-Drawer White Brass Walnut Console Table/Desk

By Cosulich Interiors Antiques

Located in New York, NY

Contemporary Bespoke customizable 4 drawers modern desk / console entirely Hand Made in Italy, with

Category

2010s Italian Minimalist Console Tables

Materials

Brass

Bespoke Italian Art Deco Design 4-Drawer White Brass Walnut Console Table/Desk

$10,150 / item

Grand Art Deco French Console in Macassar with Brass Elements

Located in Houston, TX

The console is made of Macassar wood. The tabletop is elevated by three curved wooden legs, which

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Brass

Grand Art Deco French Console in Macassar with Brass Elements

$9,900

Art Deco Console in Brown Marquetry by Ginger Brown

By Ginger Brown

Located in Bourguebus, FR

The console table PLUTON is made of a polished shell marquetry in brown colour. It has two drawers

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Console in Brown Marquetry by Ginger Brown

$9,198 / item

Belgian art deco work circa 1930, pair of art deco period console circa 1930

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Belgian art deco work circa 1930, pair of art deco period console in walnut and maple veneer

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Maple, Walnut

Belgian art deco work circa 1930, pair of art deco period console circa 1930

$19,114 / set

Console Table RADIUS by Ginger Brown

By Ginger Brown

Located in Bourguebus, FR

The console table RADIUS is made of shagreen with brass trims. It has one thin drawer and the legs

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Console Table RADIUS by Ginger Brown

$4,480

Pair of Art Deco Style White Marble Top Consoles

Located in Westwood, NJ

An Art Deco style marble top console with a brushed brass finish steel base with tapered legs and a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Marble, Steel

Pair of Art Deco Style White Marble Top Consoles

$7,614 / item

Console with Drawers, France, 1920, Art Deco in Wood

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Console Art Deco Material: Wood. France. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood, Rosewood

Console with Drawers, France, 1920, Art Deco in Wood

$28,000

Console in Art Deco Style, Entirely Covered with Mirrors

Located in Paris, FR

Console in Art Deco style, entirely covered with mirrors. The top has an églomisé decor. A pair

Category

Early 2000s Italian Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Console in Art Deco Style, Entirely Covered with Mirrors

$5,734

Pair of Consoles, France, Art Deco in Wood 1930

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Pair of consoles Material: wood Style: Art Deco Country: France If you want to live in the golden

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair of Consoles, France, Art Deco in Wood 1930

$15,000 / set

Amusing Pair of Art Deco Consoles, circa 1930-1950

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Amusing pair of Art Deco consoles, circa 1930-1950. Gilded and red lacquered. Marble imitation

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Amusing Pair of Art Deco Consoles, circa 1930-1950

$2,150 / item

De Coene Frères Art Deco Ebonized and Glass Console

By De Coene Frères

Located in Stamford, CT

Elegant and useful black lacquer deco console with two 3/4" glass shelves. Brass inlay surround on

Category

Vintage 1920s Belgian Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Bentwood

De Coene Frères Art Deco Ebonized and Glass Console

$8,950

Pair of Consoles, France, Art Deco in Wood 1925

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Pair of consoles Material: wood Style: Art Deco Country: France If you want to live in the golden

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair of Consoles, France, Art Deco in Wood 1925

$16,500 / set

Pair of Consoles, France, 1920, Art Deco in Wood

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

golden years, this is the tables that your project needs. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair of Consoles, France, 1920, Art Deco in Wood

$14,600 / set

Console

By Maurice Pré

Located in LAMBLORE, FR

This Art Deco console from the 1940s features a massive base, geometric forms, and rounded elements

Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood, Cherry, Oak

Console

$16,605

Art Deco Console in the Manner of Raymond Subes

By Raymond Subes

Located in Bridgewater, CT

French Art Deco style console standing on two iron scrolled legs in the manner of Raymond Subes

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Iron

Art Deco Console in the Manner of Raymond Subes

$6,000

Art deco carved and gilded wooden console, 1930s.

Located in Lisboa, PT

Art deco carved and gilded wooden console with rectangular marble top in shades of brown and grey

Category

Vintage 1930s Portuguese Console Tables

Materials

Marble

Art deco carved and gilded wooden console, 1930s.

$4,026

Art Deco Marble and Iron Console by Raymond Subes, 1930s

By Raymond Subes

Located in Zurich, CH

This console features a rare, handcrafted console table by Raymond Subes from 1930, showcasing the

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Marble, Iron

Art Deco Marble and Iron Console by Raymond Subes, 1930s

$33,164

Pair of Consoles France, 1920, Art Deco in Wood

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Consoles Art Deco Material: Wood. France. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair of Consoles France, 1920, Art Deco in Wood

$12,000 / item

Hammered Iron Art Deco Mirror and Console, circa 1930

By Edgar Brandt

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Hammered iron Art Deco Mirror and console, circa 1930 Wrought iron structure, marble top and small

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Marble, Wrought Iron

Hammered Iron Art Deco Mirror and Console, circa 1930

$5,734

Pair of Consoles, France, Art Deco in Wood 1920

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Pair of consoles Material: wood Style: Art Deco Country: France If you want to live in the golden

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair of Consoles, France, Art Deco in Wood 1920

$17,000 / set

Elegant French Art Deco console in wood from the 1930s

Located in Meulebeke, BE

France / 1930s / console / wood / Art Deco French Art Deco console in smooth dark wood with

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Elegant French Art Deco console in wood from the 1930s

$1,792

Antique French Oak Wall-Mounted Console Art Deco circa 1940

Located in Labrit, Landes

French Art Déco wall console made circa 1940. It was made from an original oak dining table which

Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique French Oak Wall-Mounted Console Art Deco circa 1940

$1,232 Sale Price

20% Off

Antique French Oak Wall-Mounted Console Art Deco circa 1940

Located in Labrit, Landes

French Art Déco wall console made circa 1940. It was made from an original oak dining table which

Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique French Oak Wall-Mounted Console Art Deco circa 1940

$1,232 Sale Price

20% Off

Art Deco Tubular Chrome and Glass Console Table in the Manner of Vermillion LA

By Vermillion

Located in Winnipeg, MB

Stunning and unique tubular Deco-style chrome console table with thick glass top attributed to

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Chrome

Art Deco Tubular Chrome and Glass Console Table in the Manner of Vermillion LA

$2,795

Console in Wood and marble, Style: Art Deco , 1920

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Console Art Deco Material: Wood and marble We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Marble

Console in Wood and marble, Style: Art Deco , 1920

$13,500

Console, France, 1925, Art Deco in Wood and glass

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Console Art Deco Material: Wood and glass France. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood, Glass

Console, France, 1925, Art Deco in Wood and glass

$17,500

Art Deco Style Painted Trompe l Oeil Mirror and Console

Located in Locust Valley, NY

An Art Deco style painted trompe l'oeil mirror and wall mount console. The demi-lune console table

Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Mirror, Paint

Art Deco Style Painted Trompe l Oeil Mirror and Console

$3,360 / set

Art Deco Mirror console in the manner by Edgar Brandt

By Edgar Brandt

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This Art Deco mirrored console by Edgar Brandt is a striking fusion of form and function. Handmade

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Marble, Iron

Art Deco Mirror console in the manner by Edgar Brandt

$15,000

Plaisance Console Table, by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Art Deco inspired console table. Steel frame with a gun metal patina and brass accents. The top has

Category

2010s American Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Marble

Plaisance Console Table, by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier

$6,400

Deco Design Console by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

By Robert Kuo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Deco design console Brown lacquer Brass Hand Repoussé Lacquer is a technique that dates back to

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Console Tables

Materials

Brass

Deco Design Console by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition

$8,400

Art Deco Pair of Consoles France, in Wood 1920

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Console Art Deco Material: Wood. France. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Pair of Consoles France, in Wood 1920

$7,700 / item

Italian Midcentury Art Deco Console designed by Pierluigi Colli, 1940s

By Colli Torino

Located in Traversetolo, IT

Rare Console designed by Pierluigi Colli in the 1940s, Colli's style is characterized by a

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Brass

Italian Midcentury Art Deco Console designed by Pierluigi Colli, 1940s

$9,915

Pair of Consoles in wood France, 1920, Art Deco

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Console Material: Wood. France. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair of Consoles in wood France, 1920, Art Deco

$7,950 / item

Pair of Consoles France, 1920, Art Deco in wood

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Console Material: Wood. France. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair of Consoles France, 1920, Art Deco in wood

$4,900 / item

Art Deco Pair of Consoles in Wood France, 1920

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Console Material: Wood. France. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Pair of Consoles in Wood France, 1920

$7,600 / item

Pencil Reed Console Table Circa 1980s

Located in Peabody, MA

A post modern art deco style console table in wide pencil reed molding, ca. 1980s.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Console Tables

Materials

Reed, Glass

Pencil Reed Console Table Circa 1980s

$2,495

Console, France, 1925, Art Deco in Chrome and Glass

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Console Art Deco Material: Wood. France. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Chrome

Console, France, 1925, Art Deco in Chrome and Glass

$8,700

Console, France, 1925, Art Deco in Wood and Chrome

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Console Art Deco Material: Wood and chrome France. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Chrome

Console, France, 1925, Art Deco in Wood and Chrome

$8,300

Rare and elegant pair of Art Deco Consoles in Burl Wood.

Located in Echt, NL

A rare and elegant pair of consoles in very good condition. A refined pair of Art Deco wall

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Wood, Burl

Rare and elegant pair of Art Deco Consoles in Burl Wood.

$5,376 / set

Rosewood Console Table by Paolo Buffa, 1940s

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Montelabbate, PU

Rosewood console table by Paolo Buffa, 40s.

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Maple, Rosewood

Rosewood Console Table by Paolo Buffa, 1940s

$1,242 Sale Price

20% Off

Rare Large Art Deco Console in Varnished walnut, circa 1925

By Léon Jallot

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Rare large Art Deco console in varnished walnut, circa 1925.

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Walnut

Rare Large Art Deco Console in Varnished walnut, circa 1925

$14,336

French Art Deco Console with Mirror Attributed to Raymond Subes

By Raymond Subes

Located in Bridgewater, CT

A French Art Deco console table attributed to Raymond Subes, with scrolling leg and portoro gold

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Marble, Iron

French Art Deco Console with Mirror Attributed to Raymond Subes

$26,000 / set

Classic Solid White Marble Console Table Side Table, Italy 1980

By Angelo Mangiarotti

Located in DE MEERN, NL

Welcome to our exquisite collection of vintage solid white marble console tables with two

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Marble

Classic Solid White Marble Console Table Side Table, Italy 1980

$3,582

Art Deco Ebonized Walnut Wall Console W/ Acanthus Supports by Grosfeld House

By Grosfeld House

Located in New York, NY

This exquisite wall-mounted console table by Grosfeld House epitomizes the elegance and

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Walnut

Art Deco Ebonized Walnut Wall Console W/ Acanthus Supports by Grosfeld House

$4,475

Burl Wood Sideboard/Credenza/Console Table, 1980s - France

Located in Hilversum, NL

revival style popular in the 1980s. With its elegant design, this console table or cabinet makes a

Category

Vintage 1980s French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Burl

Burl Wood Sideboard/Credenza/Console Table, 1980s - France

$4,181

French Art Deco Console in White Finish with Brass Detailing

Located in Troy, MI

Found in France, this console has a curved support and stepped platform base. New, professionally

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Brass

French Art Deco Console in White Finish with Brass Detailing

$2,195

Tables Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Tables

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Console Table Deco For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal console table deco for your home. A console table deco — often made from wood, metal and stone — can elevate any home. There are 2773 variations of the antique or vintage console table deco you’re looking for, while we also have 621 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without a console table deco — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A console table deco made by Art Deco designers — as well as those associated with mid-century modern — is very popular. Stephanie Odegard Collection, R Y Augousti and Kifu Augousti each produced at least one beautiful console table deco that is worth considering.

How Much is a Console Table Deco?

A console table deco can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $4,798, while the lowest priced sells for $1 and the highest can go for as much as $700,000.

Finding the Right Console-tables for You

Few pieces of furniture are celebrated for their functionality as much as their decorative attributes in the way that console tables are. While these furnishings are not as common in today’s interiors as their coffee-table and side-table counterparts, console tables are stylish home accents and have become more prevalent over the years.

The popularity of wood console tables took shape during the 17th and 18th centuries in French and Italian culture, and were exclusively featured in the palatial homes of the upper class. The era’s outwardly sculptural examples of these small structures were paired with mirrors or matching stools and had tabletops of marble. They were most often half-moon-shaped and stood on two scrolled giltwood legs, and because they weren’t wholly supported on their two legs rather than the traditional four, their flat-backed supports were intended to hug the wall behind them and were commonly joined by an ornate stretcher. The legs were affixed or bolted to the wall with architectural brackets called console brackets — hence, the name we know them by today — which gave the impression that they were freestanding furnishings. While console tables introduced a dose of drama in the foyer of any given aristocrat — an embodiment of Rococo-style furniture — the table actually occupied minimal floor space (an attractive feature in home furniture). As demand grew and console tables made their way to other countries, they gained recognition as versatile additions to any home.

Contemporary console tables comprise many different materials and are characterized today by varying shapes and design styles. It is typical to find them made of marble, walnut or oak and metal. While modern console tables commonly feature four legs, you can still find the two-legged variety, which is ideal for nestling behind the sofa. A narrow console table is a practical option if you need to save space — having outgrown their origins as purely ornamental, today’s console tables are home to treasured decorative objects, help fill empty foyers and, outfitted with drawers or a shelf, can provide a modest amount of storage as needed.

The rich collection of antique, new and vintage console tables on 1stDibs includes everything from 19th-century gems designed in the Empire style to unique rattan pieces and more.

Questions About Console Table Deco

Why is it called a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
Why it is called a console table comes down to the history of this type of furnishing. The very first consoles produced in France during the 16th and 17th centuries were not freestanding. Instead, owners anchored them to walls. This anchoring method strengthened the console top, allowing it to support heavy loads. The name “console” comes from the French word "consolide," which means to reinforce or strengthen. It was likely chosen because of the anchoring system that lends strength to and reinforces consoles. Shop a diverse assortment of console tables on 1stDibs.
Why are console tables so low?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
Console tables are not low. Typically, consoles are about the height of a desk but are much narrower. As a result, they work well against walls and can be used to hold lamps and decorative objects. While modern console tables commonly feature four legs, you can still find the two-legged variety, which is ideal for nestling behind the sofa. Some also feature shelves for display and storage space or cabinet doors and drawers for hiding clutter. Find vintage console tables on 1stDibs.
What is a console table used for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Console tables serve a variety of functions. They can be used as buffets, storage units and display tables. Because they vary in size, you can use them for just about anything.
What is the difference between a buffet table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
The difference between a buffet table and a console table comes down to size and storage features. Console tables are usually less deep than buffet tables, so they take up less space behind sofas and along walls. In addition, consoles are less likely to have cabinets and drawers than buffet tables, which are designed to store dinnerware and serveware in dining rooms. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of buffets and console tables.
What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a sideboard and a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
The difference between a sideboard and a console table comes down to usage and storage features. Sideboards are usually found in dining rooms and have shelving concealed behind cabinet doors for storing dinnerware, glassware and serveware. Normally positioned in entryways, hallways and living rooms, console tables may have no storage features or include drawers, open shelves or cabinet doors, depending on their design. Find a large selection of console tables and sideboards on 1stDibs.
What is the difference between a console and a sofa table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
The main difference between a console and a sofa table is that a console can be placed anywhere in the home (against a wall in a hallway or under a television in the living room) and a sofa table is limited to being behind a sofa.
Should a console table be taller than a couch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
A console table should not be taller than a couch. Much like a sofa table, a console table is placed against the back of a sofa and should be the same height as the sofa.
How wide should a console table be in an entryway?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
In an entryway, a console table should typically be around 10 to 16 inches wide. Tables of this width should still allow plenty of clearance so people can easily walk by the table. You may see manufacturers refer to the width of consoles as depth. On 1stDibs, shop a range of console tables.
How tall should a lamp be on a console table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2024

A lamp for a console table should be between 25 and 32 inches tall. The table lamp’s shade shouldn’t exceed half the width of the console table.

You’ll find that when it comes to arranging wall art, a decorator might suggest that the space on the wall above a console table is a great place for a large painting or a wall sculpture. In that case, you may wish to use a taller lamp for the table. If your table is smaller in scale or if you have a small mirror hanging on the wall above the console, you may wish to opt for a shorter lamp.

Find vintage table lamps for sale on 1stDibs.
Can you use a console table as a desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Because of their variety of sizes and range in function, console tables can easily work as a desk. Given their size and ease of mobility, a console table can be used in almost any sort of room.

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